Pesach, commonly known as Passover, commences on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nissan and concludes on the 21st or 22nd day.

This eight-day Jewish holiday commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Throughout Passover, the consumption of leavened foods is prohibited, and only unleavened bread, referred to as matzah, is permitted. Matzah, an unleavened cracker, is swiftly baked before the batter has a chance to rise. It is consumed during the Seder and throughout the holiday to symbolize the haste of the Jews' departure from Egypt.

Historical Background

Passover celebrates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage over 3,000 years ago, as described in the Book of Exodus in the Hebrew Bible. The story centers around Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt after God inflicted ten plagues upon the Egyptians, culminating in the death of the firstborn. The Israelites were spared from this final plague by marking their doorposts with lamb's blood, signaling the Angel of Death to "pass over" their homes, hence the name Passover.

Duration and Timing

Passover begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan and lasts for seven days in Israel and eight days in the diaspora. It usually falls in March or April of the Gregorian calendar.

Key Observances and Traditions

Seder

• Seder Plate: Central to the Passover celebration is the Seder, a ritual meal held on the first two nights (or just the first night in Israel). The Seder plate contains symbolic foods:

  • Maror: Bitter herbs representing the bitterness of slavery.
  • Charoset: A sweet mixture of apples, nuts, wine, and spices symbolizing the mortar used by the Israelite slaves.
  • Karpas: A vegetable, usually parsley, dipped in salt water to represent tears.
  • Z'roa: A roasted shank bone symbolizing the Paschal lamb sacrifice.
  • Beitzah: A roasted egg symbolizing mourning and the cycle of life.
  • Chazeret: A second bitter herb, often romaine lettuce.

• Haggadah: During the Seder, participants read the Haggadah, a text that recounts the story of the Exodus and includes prayers, songs, and instructions for the ritual meal.

Matzo

• Unleavened Bread: During Passover, Jews eat matzo, an unleavened bread, to remember the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, not having time to let their bread rise.

Restrictions

• Chametz: Leavened products (chametz) are forbidden during Passover. This includes any food made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt that has leavened. Homes are thoroughly cleaned to remove all chametz before the holiday begins.

Special Prayers and Torah Readings

• Holiday Services: Special services are held in synagogues, including readings from the Torah and the recitation of Hallel (praises).

Community and Family

• Gatherings: Passover is a time for families and communities to come together, often traveling great distances to join loved ones for the Seder and other celebrations.

Cultural Significance

• Themes of Freedom and Redemption: Passover is not only a religious observance but also a celebration of freedom, resilience, and faith. It resonates deeply with themes of liberation and human rights.

Passover is a rich, multi-faceted holiday with profound historical, religious, and cultural significance for the Jewish people, embodying themes of freedom, redemption, and the enduring spirit of a people united by their faith and traditions.